When I look at my life and I feel so overwhelmed by the to-do list, the time crunch, the necessities of the day, I forget to remember that I have choices. That my to-do list is ultimately full of things that I have placed there. That my time crunch is often because I have not managed my time wisely. And when I evaluate those necessities of the day, I find that they are often not really necessities for living at all.
So I have choices. Choices are powerful. Though my feelings lead me in one direction, I can choose to go another.
Though choice is an individual right or power, those of us who follow Christ realize that choices made in obedience to Him are impossible without His Power.
Paul says in Romans 7: 15 - 20: (Message Version)
"What I don't understand about myself is that I decide one way, but then I act another, doing things I absolutely despise... my decisions, such as they are, don't result in actions...I've tried everything and nothing helps. Is there no one who can do anything for me? The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different."
Paul understood what we face today. That we have choices, and we make decisions. But without the power of Jesus Christ, we cannot make the choices that we really need and desire to make.
choosing to exhort our children rather than exacerbate them
choosing to praise rather than preach
choosing to guide rather than gain control
choosing to give love rather than giving lectures
choosing to show patience rather than showing power
choosing to give thanks rather than giving threats
choosing to be joyful rather than being pitiful
choosing to be kind rather than cruel
choosing to show gentleness rather than showing grievousness
choosing to be faithful rather than faithless
choosing to exhibit self-control rather than self-gratification
choosing to pray rather than presume
Lord, grant us your Power to make powerful choices.
Are these kinds of choices difficult for you? Is there a way that I can pray for you today? I would love to hear your comments.
Unwrapping the gift of choice,
Kelli
3 comments:
Love this, Kelli! I've been very conscious lately of the choices I'm making just so that I can make sure that I'm making the most of each day with my family, with my writing, and with all of my responsibilities. Thanks for this great post! :)
The POWER of choice -- I have to remember that everyday! I love your list...one thing I always try to remember is this -- Choose to understand, rather than to be understood.
Great post Kelli....as always -- You get my thinking... xo =)
The POWER of choice -- I have to remember that everyday! I love your list...one thing I always try to remember is this -- Choose to understand, rather than to be understood.
Great post Kelli....as always -- You get my thinking... xo =)
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